Ground Cover - Grasses

AUS-TDG-CON-GCG General High confidence

Benchmark Value

50 %

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: MinimumOnly

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

Evidence & Context

The revised ecological community listing now requires that grassland patches must be at least 1000m2 (0.1 Hectare) in size, must have >50% native cover (compared to exotic species), and in some cases must meet additional condition thresholds

Metric Definition:

Percentage cover of native vascular plants (including annual and perennial species) relative to the percentage cover of perennial exotic species.

Benchmark Definition:

Legally binding minimum condition threshold for native vascular plant cover relative to exotic species in the Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands.

Justification:

This is the legally binding minimum condition threshold required to qualify a grassland remnant for protection under national environmental law.

Sources (1)

Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands: a nationally protected ecological community Journal

Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands: a nationally protected ecological community

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Supporting Sources (4)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Approved Conservation Advice for the Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain

Direct Evidence Journal

Approved Conservation Advice for the Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain

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EVC 175: Grassy Woodland - Gippsland Plain bioregion

Direct Evidence Journal

EVC 175: Grassy Woodland - Gippsland Plain bioregion

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EVC 55: Plains Grassy Woodland - Goldfields bioregion benchmark document

Direct Evidence Journal

EVC 55: Plains Grassy Woodland - Goldfields bioregion

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Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion - Environment, accessed August 12, 2025

Direct Evidence Journal

EVC 3: Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland - Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
Assessment Conservation Target
Vegetation Grassland
Evidence Type RegulatoryTrigger

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 18 Jun 2026

Notes

Designed to exclude heavily degraded native pastures or crop fields that are dominated by exotic species.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TDG-CON-GCG family.